Cecil Township clarifies upcoming solar ordinance
Cecil Township took another step closer to implementing a comprehensive solar power amendment to its local zoning ordinance during a Monday night hearing.
The board of supervisors discussed details regarding how commercial and residential solar systems will be governed before setting a fourth public hearing on the matter ahead of an anticipated adoption vote in April.
The board has held two previous hearings to gather input from residents on the most appropriate way to regulate solar systems in the township, according to Supervisor Cindy Fisher.
Township zoning hearing board Chairperson Kara Shirdon addressed the supervisors first, questioning whether the current definition of an “accessory solar energy system” (ASES) is distinct enough from a “primary solar energy system” (PSES).
Shirdon said that including clear limits on the size of systems classified as ASES would help prevent individuals from “trying to game the system.”
According to Shirdon, some companies take advantage of vague solar ordinance definitions to install large commercial systems intentionally mislabeled as ASES in order to skirt the stricter regulations on PSES systems.
Under the current wording of the proposed amendment, ASES are designed to provide power for a single primary business or residence on the property, while PSES are defined as larger systems that occupy the majority of the parcel to sell power back to the grid.
“My concern is that the only limit is that you can’t put (an ASES) in the front yard,” Shirdon said.
Fisher said that although the board does not have “enough expertise” to effectively analyze the size of a proposed ASES system, she is in favor of a more clear definition between the two types of system.
This could either take the form of a percentage limit of space occupied by a system in relation to the total parcel size and/or a limit related to the total power use of the residence or business.
Fisher said the board would need to take another look at the current wording in the amendment to ensure that the final adopted version is clear without needing annual hearings to update the ordinance over the next few years as solar technology develops.
Cecil resident George Glish presented a slideshow of his roof-mounted solar system to inform the board and advocate in support of greater use of ASES in the township.
Fisher said that a fourth hearing to discuss remaining concerns with the full board is needed before an adoption vote in April.